Category: EVA Report

Crew 315 EVA 6 Report Date: 23 APRIL 2025

Sol: 3

Summary title: EVA 6 Overview

Author: Tim Gagnon

Purpose of EVA: Starlink Test and collect rock samples for 3D scan experiment.

Start time: 1330 hours

End time: 1625 hours

Narrative:

The Commander, Engineer, and Artist departed the Hab at 1330 hours on an EVA to Somerville Overlook. Utilizing Rovers Perseverance and Curiosity, the drive took about 45 minutes. When we arrived and parked, we set off on foot to the edge. The artist concerned about making the return trip to the rover stopped after 30 yards and turned around. He then did a photo survey of the landscape and photographed the Commander and Engineer proceeded to the edge so the engineer could deploy his portable Starlink system. It acquired a signal within three minutes of deployment. The Engineer then surveyed the area for interesting looking rocks for his 3D experiment. At about 1540, we began our drive back to the Hab. On Galileo Rd, the commander noticed the structure he calls “the Monolith” to our north so he stopped and with the Engineer tried to determine coordinates of its location. Once we got back to driving, the Commander pointed to a “dust devil” and the artist took photos as it crossed the road.

We arrived back at the Hab at 1625 hours.

Destination: Somerville Overlook

Coordinates: 4253000N, 522150W

Participants: CDR: David Laude, ENG: Michael Andrews, Artist: Tim Gagnon

Route: Moonwalk Road, Cow Dung Rd, Galileo Rd.

Mode of travel: Rovers Perseverance and Curiosity.

Crew 315 EVA Report 24-04-2025

EVA #7

Author: Urban Koi, HSO

Purpose of EVA: Travel to Overlook and then Sea of Shells area to survey a special object of interest, seen in the past by the Commander, for future close-up remote object observation via rover transportation and HSO’s drone. Objectives include: (1) Finding the compass heading to triangulate its position to find object of interest on the map to determine feasibility of flying a drone close to it for detailed HD imagery and (2) Filming 4K imagery of Mars terrain for HSO’s project.

Start Time: 0930

End Time: 1300

Narrative: The EVA began on Moonwalk Road, then proceeded along Cow Dung Road 0110. From there, Commander and HSO followed Brahe Highway to the Overlook, and then took Copernicus 1575 Highway to reach the Sea of Shells area (confirmed by Commander, 335 Magnetic, 347 True North).Commander and HSO perused the stunning shells that lined numerous dark red peaks.For the return trip to MDRS, we retraced the same route in reverse. Commander and HSO agreed that this is our favorite EVA—a successful one, where more was accomplished than originally planned. HSO was able to capture a myriad of beautiful 4K imagery at each location.

Destination: Overlook + Sea of Shells Area

Coordinates:

– Overlook, at the intersection of Brahe Hwy 1572 and Copernicus Hwy 1575 (4254500N, 516000W)

– Sea of Shells (4255500N, 516500W)

Participants: David Laude (Commander), Urban Koi (HSO)

Road(s) & Routes per MDRS Map: Moonwalk Road, Cow Dung Road, Galileo Road

Mode of Travel: Perseverance (Rover) + Hiking

Crew 315 EVA Report 24-04-2025

EVA # 8

Author: Michael Andrews

Purpose of EVA:

Start time: 1415

End time: 1630

(Note: My previous EVA request provided an incorrect end time. I meant to request 6 PM or 1800 but instead put 1600. This had us arrive 30 minutes after the officially approved EVA time, but once the error was realized at 1610, we were already on the way back via Rover and were in communications with the station throughout the entire mission.)

Narrative: Crew Engineer Andrews and Crew Journalist Saavedra-Buckley departed from the station via Opportunity Rover at 1415 and headed north along Cow Dung Road. After passing previously seen landmarks, we ventured into new territory… and immediately missed our turn. Although Cow Dung Road proceeds all the way to our destination of Green Mars View, the offshoot road to the Special Region actually appears to be the more developed road. We stopped briefly at the Special Region (known on Earth as the Burpee Dinosaur Quarry) before resuming our trip.

The terrain became more remote as we approached Green Mars View. Wary of our rover battery life, we stopped a few hundred feet short of our parking spot at 56% to give us a factor of safety for the return trip. Andrews found the highest local point and set up Starlink at 1451 while Saavedra-Buckley searched for desiccated soil samples.

The area was rather green and as a result, had no cracked and dried soil. Starlink connected after 2 minutes and began consuming power. After a quick speed test, the pair walked to the nearby overlook to take photos for the 100cameras project and attempt to locate the Monolith for Comander Laude’s project. Throughout the walk, Saavedra-Buckley interviewed Andrews for her article.

After an hour of power consumption, the Starlink terminal had consumed 35% of the battery pack and the crew packed up and powered up opportunity at 1400. On the way back, the error of the incorrect EVA request end time was realized when communicating with CapComm, and the crew ensured no stops or delays were made in order to return to the hab as soon as possible. The team returned and entered the airlock at 1425, ending the EVA at 1430.

Destination: Green Mars View

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): Easting 527500, Northing 4256750

Participants: Michael Andrews (Crew Engineer and EVA Lead) and Elena Saavedra-Buckley (Crew Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Exited MDRS onto Cow Dung Road, then took a left to head North. We proceeded and missed a turn, accidentally arriving at the Special Region. We returned to Cow Dung road and continued north until the end of the road to reach Green Mars View. The return trip was performed in the same steps, but in reverse.

Mode of travel: Opportunity Rover

Crew 315 EVA Report 25-04-2025

EVA # 10

Author: Michael Andrews

Purpose of EVA: We planned to first visit the site from EVA #3 in order to return the 5 rock samples that were collected to as close to their original location as possible. Then we intend to proceed to the true location of Robert’s Rock Garden and collect 1-2 more specimens for 3D scanning. Simultaneously, HSO Koi was planning on performing some drone testing in these high winds conditions to prepare for any contingencies in future EVAs with gusts of winds.

Start time: 1510

End time: 1610

Narrative: The HSO and Engineer departed the station slightly after 1400, entering a significantly windier environment than normal. We plugged in Perseverance before departing via Curiosity. The trip to EVA Site #3 only took about 5 minutes, and took another 10 minutes to return rock samples as close to their original locations as possible.

The EVA Crew then traveled approximately 5 minutes south further along Cow Dung Road until we believed we were at Robert’s Rock Garden. We radio’ed in with CapComm to have them check our EVA Link location, and CapComm rep Gagnon confirmed we had indeed arrived at the Rock Garden.

Andrews walked around the area looking for rock samples to take back to the ScienceDome for 3D scanning, while Koi tested drone operations in windy conditions. Andrews was able to recover 1 sample, and Koi’s drone did throw some wind alerts and required some compensation when flying.

Once all objectives were complete, the team returned to the station in about 10 minutes and began repressurization.

Destination: Robert’s Rock Garden and rock sample collection point from EVA #3

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): Easting: 518250, Northing: 4249000 (Robert’s Rock Garden) and Easting: 518250, Northing: 42450000 (EVA #3 site)

Participants: Michael Andrews (Crew Engineer and EVA Lead) and Urban Koi (Health and Safety Officer)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Used one rover to travel along Cow Dung Road until reaching Robert’s Rock Garden and parked on the road berm. The EVA team then traveled on foot, traveling no further than one mile from the rover.

Mode of travel: Used Curiosity rover to travel to the coordinates above. The EVA team then traveled on foot, traveling no further than one mile from the rover.

Crew 315 EVA Report 25-04-2025

EVA # 9

Author: Elena Saavedra Buckley

Purpose of EVA: To better view the Monolith and (for the Journalist’s purposes) to get one-on-one time with Commander

Start time: 0940

End time: 1252

Narrative: The Commander and Journalist took Perseverance up toward Green Mars View, where they walked around the rim of the canyon, took in the view, and talked. They trekked slightly north to get a better view of the Commander’s area of interest, but compass readings indicated that something the Journalist saw a previous day, with the Engineer, probably wasn’t it. They then went slightly west, dodging cacti, to get a better view and stopped a few times along the way. We considered going to Lith Canyon, but there wasn’t enough time. On the way back down Cow Dung, we stopped briefly for the Journalist to collect a soil sample.

Destination: Green Mars View

Coordinates: Green Mars View, 4257000N, 520500W

Participants: David Laude (Commander) and Elena Saavedra Buckley (Journalist)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Went from Moonwalk to Cow Dung Road, then took a left and headed toward Green Mars View, where we parked the rover. Walked approximately 10 minutes north to get a better view of the Monolith.

Mode of travel: Perseverance and foot.

Crew 314 EVA Report #1 07Apr2025

EVA #: 1
Author : Odile Hilgers (HSO, CapCom for EVA #1) – Crew 314 has no Scientist in the group due to recent VISA complications.
Purpose of EVA : Training, suit adaptation, and communication practice
Start Time : 09:00 AM
End Time : 09:45 AM
Narrative : Crew 314 embarked on their first EVA mission with the primary goal of adapting to their space suits, practicing rover operations, and refining communication skills. Batoul Tani, Arnaud de Wergifosse, and Louis Baltus suited up, each in different types of space suits: Louis wore a one-piece suit, while Arnaud and Batoul used two-piece suits. Batoul, acting as the driver, took the wheel of the Spirit Rover with Louis as her passenger, while Arnaud drove the Opportunity Rover alone.
After a brief delay to retrieve the EVA Kit, the crew departed from the habitat and drove to the Marble Ritual site. Upon arrival, the team took some time to adjust to their suits, practicing movements and communication. Batoul and Arnaud encountered some initial difficulty in adjusting to their two-piece suits, finding them a bit restrictive. In contrast, Louis, wearing the one-piece suit, reported having better flexibility during movement, which helped him feel more at ease.
The team covered approximately 0.06 miles (100 meters for our Belgian team) away from their rovers as part of their walking exercise. However, after a reminder from the EVA request guidelines, which specified that they should stay within 0,025 miles (30-40 meters) of the rovers, they promptly turned back. This allowed them to stay within the safety limits while still gaining valuable experience.
As the crew moved across the terrain, they encountered some small relief features, which challenged their balance. Navigating this terrain provided a true test of their agility in the suits. Despite the difficulty, the crew successfully crossed a small hill and even shared an astronaut moment, recalling the famous steps of the first man on the moon.
Throughout the mission, the crew practiced communication, testing the walkie-talkies to ensure clear and effective exchanges. Cap Com, listening in, was able to hear Batoul’s joyful reactions through the radio, reflecting the enthusiasm and satisfaction of the team during this first EVA.
After completing the walk and the rover operations, the team made their way back to the base. Upon arrival, they followed standard procedure, allowing the required five minutes for air depressurization before re-entering the habitat.
Destination : Marble Ritual
Coordinates (UTM WGS 84): 425100N, 518550W
Participants : Batoul Tani (Journalist), Arnaud de Wergifosse (Executive Officer), Louis Baltus (Astronomer).
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map : MoonWalk Road, Cow Dung Road, Marble Ritual.
Mode of Travel : Driving (Rovers Spirit and Opportunity) and walking

Crew 314 EVA Report#1 08Apr025

EVA # 3

Author: Louis Baltus (Astronomer)

Purpose of EVA: The objective of this EVA is for Batoul Tani to collect soil samples from three distinct locations to support her experiment on the effects of Martian regolith on bacterial cultures cultivated in the Science Dome. The goal is to study how different soil types influence the protection of bacterial growth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, assessing their potential to mitigate UV-induced stress on microbial life.

The first stop will be at Cowboy Corner, where the crew will collect the initial soil sample from the area, which appears to have relatively open terrain. The second stop will be at the intersection of Cow Dung Road and Galileo Road, where the team will collect a second soil sample from this different geological context. Finally, the EVA will conclude at Pooh’s Corner, where the third and final soil sample will be gathered.

The samples from these varied locations will provide a diverse set of regolith types, helping to better understand the role of soil composition in shielding microbial life from harmful radiation and offering insights into potential habitability on Mars.

The crew will stay within a 300-meter radius of the rovers and head northeast towards Tharsis Montes.

Start time: 09:00 AM

End time: 12:00 AM

Narrative: At 09:07, decompression of the airlock began, and by 09:12, the EVA officially commenced. Odile departed solo in Rover Spirit, while Batoul drove Rover Opportunity with Béatrice as passenger. The team followed Cow Dung Road, heading towards Cowboy Corner.

At 09:24, the crew made an unscheduled stop at Marble Ritual due to communication disruptions. The issue appeared temporarily resolved, and the team resumed travel shortly after. At 09:26, they reached Pooh’s Corner, continuing their route without further delay.

By 09:35, the team arrived at coordinates 519000 ; 425180. At this point, communication was again lost, and CapCom encountered difficulties re-establishing contact. With support from the broader Mission Support Team, the issue was diagnosed and resolved. Communications remained stable for the remainder of the EVA.

The crew reached the first sampling site—Cowboy Corner—at 09:50. After parking the rovers, the astronauts proceeded on foot. Sample collection commenced at 09:53, and the first set of samples was secured in the rover by 10:03. The team remained on site to conduct additional exploration.

At 10:20, the EVA crew departed Cowboy Corner and navigated to the intersection of Cow Dung Road and Galileo Road, arriving at 10:33. They conducted the second soil sample collection at this location. By 10:42, the collection was complete, and the crew resumed their journey toward Pooh’s Corner.

At 10:57, the team completed the third and final sample collection at Pooh’s Corner. They then began the return to the habitat.

The rovers arrived at the base at 11:04. The crew initiated the 5-minute repressurization process of the airlock, concluding the EVA.

Destination: Cowboy corner (4253000N, 518500W)

Coordinates (UTM WGS 84): 4253000N, 518500W

First stop : 4253000N, 518500W

Second stop : 4252250N, 519000W

Third stop : 4251250N, 519000W

Participants: Batoul Tani (Journalist), Odile Hilgers (HSO) and Béatrice Hollander (Commander)

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: MoonWalk Road, Cow Dung Road 01110

Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Crew 314 EVA Report 09-04-2025

EVA # 5
Author: Batoul Tani (Crew Journalist)
Purpose of EVA: The primary objective of this EVA is to conduct essential equipment checks at the intersection of Galileo Road and Cow Dung Road. Subsequently, we will proceed to the Gateway to Lith to assess a potential future site for equipment relocation and to survey the Special Region. Additionally, drone tests will be performed at the intersection of Cow Dung Road and Brahe Hwy 1572, as these were not completed during EVA #4.
Start time: 9.10 AM
End time: 11:15 AM
Narrative:
The crew departed from the station at 9:10 AM with two rovers: Opportunity (Driver: Louis, Passenger: Antoine) and Perseverance (Driver: Odile, Passenger: Béatrice), as Spirit had not fully charged overnight.
Their mission was to inspect equipment located at the intersection of Galileo Road and Cow Dung Road. En route, they made a brief stop to observe a group of deer crossing nearby.
The crew continued along Cow Dung Road to reach the Special Region, where they assessed the area as a potential site for future equipment installation. During their exploration, they stayed within 500 meters of the rovers.
After completing the inspection, they retrieved the rover at 10:10 AM on Cow Dung Road and proceeded to the intersection with Brahe Highway 1572, a location they had not been able to visit during EVA #4 where they used the drone to conduct a reconnaissance of the area.
The team began their return to the station at 10:47 AM, switching drivers as follows:
Antoine took over as the driver of Opportunity, with Louis as the passenger. In Perseverance, Béatrice drove while Odile was the passenger.
They arrived back at the MDRS at 11:15 AM and initiated the 5-minute repressurization process in the airlock, officially concluding the EVA.
Destination: Gateway to Lith – focusing on the "Special Region," accessed via the small road leading to it.
Coordinates (use UTM WSG 84):
Intersection Galileo Road and Cow Dung Road : 4252250N, 519000W
Special region : 518500N, 4256000W
Intersection of Cow Dung Road and Brahe Hwy : 4255000N, 518000W
EVA participants: Béatrice Hollander (commandant), Odile Hilgers (Health and Safety Officer), Antoine Dubois (Engineer) and Louis Baltus (Astronomer).
Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map : MoonWalk Road, Cow Dung Road 01110, Road leading to “Special Region”
Mode of travel: Driving and walking

Crew 313 EVA Report 01-04-2025

EVA # 1

Author: Jen Carver-Hunter

Purpose of EVA: Geologic sample collection

Start time: 10:00

End time: 12:00

Narrative: The crew was prepped and ready for their EVA shortly after 10:00. They used Spirit, Perseverance, and Opportunity rovers to travel to Brahe Hwy to collect their first specimens. Then they turned south on Cow Dung Rd and drove to their second location, which was near the balancing rock south of dry creek wash to collect their second and third specimens. Poor weather moved in, so mission control requested that the crew finish their sample collection and return to the Hab. In spite of moving quickly to return, they did get caught in a little bit of precipitation.

Destination: Intersection with Brahe Hwy followed by mounds near the balancing rock south of dry creek wash

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518000, 4254750 and 518000, 4254000

Participants: David Joy, Becca Hodgkinson, Emily Lehnart, Riley Nuttycombe, and Samantha Reynolds

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Crew took rovers from the Hab to Cow Dung Rd, turned north onto Cow Dung Rd, and followed it to the intersection with Brahe Hwy. From there, they turned south on Cow Dung Rd to the second collection site south of dry creek wash. From the second site, they returned to the Hab on Cow Dung Rd.

Mode of travel: Spirit, Opportunity, and Perseverance Rovers

Rover hours
Spirit: Before EVA 271.4, After EVA 271.9
Perseverance: Before EVA 315.9, After EVA 316.6
Opportunity: Before EVA 211.6, After EVA 212.3

Crew 313 EVA Report 01-04-2025

EVA # 2

Author: Jen Carver-Hunter

Purpose of EVA: Data Collection for Helmet Test

Start time: 15:00

End time: 16:30

Narrative: The EVA team departed the Hab through the RAM airlock and walked to Cow Dung Rd. From there, the crew turned north and walked to the marble ritual, picking up an offering for the ritual baskets on the way. While at the Marble Ritual, the crew walked around, climbed a small hill, picked up samples, and simulated a full scope geologic EVA in order to test the helmets and backpack systems that were developed by R. Nuttycombe. After collecting a sufficient amount of data to report, the crew returned back to the Hab via Cow Dung Rd.

Destination: Marble Ritual

Coordinates (use UTM WGS 84): 518500, 4251000

Participants: Jen Carver-Hunter, David Joy, Becca Hodgkinson, Emily Lehnart, and Riley Nuttycombe

Road(s) and routes per MDRS Map: Crew walked north on Cow Dung Road to Marble Ritual and then returned to the Hab by walking south on Cow Dung Road.

Mode of travel: Walking